Nexans high-voltage XLPE cables will connect the largest energy project in Ecuador’s history to the local power network

Paris, 30 May 2013 – Nexans, a worldwide expert in the cable industry, has been awarded a contract by China’s Sinohydro Corporation to supply the vital extra high-voltage (EHV) power cable link for Ecuador’s 1500 MW Coca Codo Sinclair hydroelectric project currently under construction in the Amazon Basin.

Nexans will supply 7 km of single-core 500 kV state-of-the-art XLPE (cross-linked) insulated power cable, with a 1,600 mm2 copper cross-section, together with associated accessories, to transmit power generated from the new dam on the Coca river to the local substation for distribution into Ecuador’s power grid.

The cable will be manufactured during 2013 and delivered in 2014.

Nexans Yanggu New Rihui, Nexans’ recently acquired power cable business of Shandong Yanggu Cables Group, strengthens the Group position in China, by serving both the Chinese market and its customers with low, medium and high voltage power cables.

“This 500 kV contract with Sinohydro is a very important development for Nexans as it is an important reference in the EHV sector with this key Chinese contractor,” says Hervé Ros, Manager of the Nexans Land High Voltage Business line in China. “The key factors in this success are our innovative and comprehensive EHV cable solutions combined with the high level of competency demonstrated by our High Voltage team”.

The Coca Codo Sinclair Project is located in Ecuador’s Napo Province. It will house eight generation units with a total installed capacity of 1500 MW. Its annual energy output of 8.8 billion kWh will meet one third of the power demand in Ecuador.